Speak English Around Town Lesson 8 Idioms, Proverbs, Expressions MCQ Test
LESSON 8 – Ordering Lunch to Go
ORDERING LUNCH TO GO
Joe goes to Angelo’s Sandwich Shop to get a sandwich. After speaking with Jim, the clerk, he decides on the meal deal.
Tim: Welcome to Angelo’s. What can I get for you?
Joe: A chicken salad sandwich.
Tim: For here or to go?
Joe: To go.
Tim: Would you like that on white, wheat, or pumpernickel?
Joe: What’s pumpernickel?
Tim: It’s a dark brown bread, similar to rye bread.
Joe: Let me try that.
Tim: And would you like that with mustard, mayonnaise, or oil?
Joe: Mustard. But please go light on it.
Tim: Would you like to make that a meal deal? Our special this month is a sandwich, an order of French fries, and a large soda for $6.99.
Joe: I’m going to pass on that. But I’d like a side order of fries.
Tim: Your total comes to $6.99.
Joe: On second thought, I will take you up on that meal deal.
Tim: Sure, then you’ll get a soda at no extra charge. That’ll be $6.99.
Joe: Sorry, but I’ve only got a $100 bill.
Tim: No worries. We can break it.
Language Lens: “Polite” Would
Use “would + like” to make polite requests or to ask a question in a polite way. The contracted form of would is ‘d. When speaking, you’ll usually use the contracted forms (I’d, you’d, he’d, we’d) instead of the full forms (I would, you would, he would, we would).
Requests:
◼ I’d like another cup of coffee, please.
◼ I’d like another few days to finish the proposal.
◼ We’d like another bottle of wine.
◼ We’d like a room with a view.
Polite questions:
◼ Would you* like some more coffee? (You could also say, “Do you want some more coffee?” but using “would” makes the question more polite).
◼ Would you like to stay for dinner? (You could also say, “Do you want to stay for dinner?” but again, using “would” makes it more polite).
◼ Would you like some help with your luggage?
* Note that “would you” is often pronounced as one word: wouldja.
Ask “wouldn’t you like” if you want a positive response:
◼ Wouldn’t you like to stay for dinner? (This sounds more like you really do want someone to stay rather than just asking, “Would you like to stay for dinner?”).
◼ Wouldn’t you like another cookie? (You’re encouraging the person to go ahead and take another one).
IDIOMS
- at no extra charge
→ free with a purchase; for no added fee
Example: Bob and Susan will only stay at hotels that let them bring along their dog at no extra charge.
- (to) break
→ to make small change
Example: Can you break a $50 bill? I don’t have anything smaller.
- For here or to go?
→ Do you want to eat in the restaurant or take the food with you?
Example: “For here or to go?” – “For here, please.”
- (to) go light on
→ to put on just a small amount
Example: Please go light on the mayonnaise.
- meal deal
→ a promotion in which several food items are sold together at a good price
Example: If you’ re hungry, I recommend the meal deal. You get a sandwich, soup, and drink for just $8.99.
- no worries
→ don’t worry about it; that’s fine
Example: “There’s a 45-minute wait to get a table.” – “No worries. We’ll just order our food to go.”
- on second thought
→ I changed my mind
Example: I’m not going to order dessert. On second thought, the chocolate lava cake sounds delicious. I’m going to order that.
- (to) pass on
→ to say no to; to reject
Example: I’m going to pass on dessert. I’m stuffed.
- side order
→ a smaller dish served with the main course
Example: I’d like a side order of onion rings with my hamburger.
- (to) take you up on
→ to accept your offer
Example: “You’re inviting me to lunch today? I’ll take you up on that.
- What can I get for you?
→ What would you like to order?
Example: “What can I get for you?” -“I’d like the meal deal.”
- your total comes to
→ the bill is; the amount you owe is
Example: “Your total comes to $12.89.”
